This past Sunday we celebrated our first baptisms at New Life Tri-Taylor since we opened two months ago.

Six ladies wearing blue t-shirts that read "I found a New Life" gave brief but powerful testimonies before a packed auditorium.  The church erupted in worship and celebration as Pastor Danny baptized these women in Jesus name. The tears and the joy on their faces were reminders of the life changing power of God. With limited time, but energized by the baptisms I had just witnessed I preached from Colossians chapter four. At the end of the message I felt prompted in my spirit to call out anyone else who needed to get baptized that day.  Four more people came forward for a spontaneous baptism. With no extra change of cloths, but courage and determination to obey two men and two more women stepped into the waters of baptism. What a powerful moment. It touched me to see Kevin Dweyer step up to the baptistery and help baptize his wife Terry who responded to the impromptu call that morning.

After witnessing 10 baptisms I left Tri-Taylor grateful to be a part of a community of faith that is seeing so many lives transformed in Jesus name.

On Sunday I went to Children’s Memorial Hospital to visit 6-year-old Brianna. She had been battling lung and brain cancer for quite some time. After complaining of headaches her mother Veronica took her to the hospital to get tested. Brianna was very excited to lose her first tooth that day. That evening the tumor in her brain caused a rupture that sent little Brianna into a coma. The doctors did what they could but it was too late. On Monday at 7:58 PM Brianna’s spirit left her body. My heart was heavy the whole day as I thought of the sadness weighing on Brianna’s family.

Life is short, but God is still good. In the midst of tragedy I saw glimpses of God’s goodness. The final words that Brianna spoke to her Mother were words of love and affirmation. What a great parting gift. I saw some New Life friends Ivette and Juan spend the entire night with the family at the hospital encouraging and comforting. Pastor Danny Lopez was at the hospital at 2:00 AM in the morning praying with them and speaking into the parent’s life. It was encouraging to see the body of Christ in action in the midst of this family tragedy.

Tonight at 7:30 PM I will be speaking at the wake of little Brianna. The wake will be held at the funeral home on the corner 22nd and Damen. Life is short and painful at times but God is still good in the midst of our suffering.

Please keep Chris, Veronica and Brianna’s sisters in prayer during these days to come.

The Old St Calistas church auditorium was packed. The parking lot was full. The atmosphere was electric as 325 people showed up to celebrate our grand opening. I love the writing over the stage that says SANCTUS- SANCTUS- SANCTUS (Holy, Holy, Holy) in Latin. One of the things that touched me the most was the diversity of the crowd I'm guessing 25% African American 25% Anglo and 50% Hispanic. Danny Lopez did a great job at leading worship with the newly formed band. The sound was really good thanks to Tino Delgado. Cirene Lopez made sure the power point was working well. Marcos Terell who is a professional chef and his wife Christina prepared sandwiches and snacks for after service. Karla Stevens dida great job at leading the children’s team.Brandon Wright distributed 200 free Chicago Bulls tickets after the service for this Friday's game. Belinda Rodriguez made sure all the greeters were in place. Geno and Janell made sure that guests found a place to park. Wendy Daniels presented the announcements like a pro. Dozens of other volunteers made me proud of being part of this grand opening. As I mingled with people after service I couldn’t help but thinking that this is going to be a great place to worship and an exciting community of faith to be a part of.      Mark Jobe

The word is getting out that in just a few weeks we will be celebrating our Grand opening. I am excited to be a part of a great team with a lot of vision and commitment to see a dynamic community of faith in this community. We have been building sound booths and setting up office space. Our projectors and screens are being installed in the auditorium. Our worship team is coming together for practice. Our children’s director is recruiting teachers and ordering material. Our signage is being made and our parking lot attendant’s vests have been ordered. There is a buzz in the air and anticipation in the core of people coming together.

I have personally met many people in the last few months that have assured me that this community needs a church like this. The count down has started and I am looking forward to meeting a lot of new friends.